What Are The Toilet Facilities Like At Work (Not Home)?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
April 20, 2010 3:11pm CST
Time and time again I work for employers where their toilet facilities are "suspect" to say the least.
Since moving to Cumbria nearly 5 years ago I can honestly say that I have only seen one set of decent toilets in the workplace. This is for women but can also apply to men too of course although the next bit might embarrass a few!
The main areas of concern for me are the lack of hot water and no sanny bins, especially if there are only a few women in the building. As my Mum said, that shouldn't make one iota of difference as it is illegal to not have basic facilities like that.
Today, upon going to the loo at the place my husband works at I was mortified to discover that - despite there being more lotions and potions to shake a stick at there was NO running water of any kind as the taps weren't working (had to wash my hands where the printers are as they have a sink for washing) AND there was no sanny bin. A basic pedal bin would suffice with hidden bag inside. That is what I have at home so why can't employers provide such things?
I am absolutely dreading my next...er.."feminine event" as my last time was the worsed ever and I dread not being able to get to the toilet in time as I sit a fair way from it.
To be honest, I'm glad I'm seeing the doctor on Thursday afternoon as it is depressing having a body like mine that doesn't behave properly.
So, tell me, do you have problems with the toilet facilities at work or are you one of the lucky ones? Can I come and work for you if you do?
The main areas of concern for me are the lack of hot water and no sanny bins, especially if there are only a few women in the building. As my Mum said, that shouldn't make one iota of difference as it is illegal to not have basic facilities like that.
Today, upon going to the loo at the place my husband works at I was mortified to discover that - despite there being more lotions and potions to shake a stick at there was NO running water of any kind as the taps weren't working (had to wash my hands where the printers are as they have a sink for washing) AND there was no sanny bin. A basic pedal bin would suffice with hidden bag inside. That is what I have at home so why can't employers provide such things?
I am absolutely dreading my next...er.."feminine event" as my last time was the worsed ever and I dread not being able to get to the toilet in time as I sit a fair way from it.
To be honest, I'm glad I'm seeing the doctor on Thursday afternoon as it is depressing having a body like mine that doesn't behave properly.
So, tell me, do you have problems with the toilet facilities at work or are you one of the lucky ones? Can I come and work for you if you do?2 people like this
12 responses
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
21 Apr 10
Hi there Janey,
Actually, I am one of the lucky ones. Where I work, our bathroom is also a public bathroom so you would kind of expect it to get pretty sketchy. It actually does at times because people can just be so nasty. Still, we all work together to keep it nice and clean. We do have a special bucket for feminine products. Sometimes things go wrong with the plumbing which is a pain but my boss gets it taken care of right away so nothing is out of commission for long. Actually, many of the public restrooms around where I live are well taken care of which is nice. Oh and yes, you can work for us. My boss is taking applications and hiring for a new position. Apply within!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Apr 10
I am so pleased that you are one of the lucky ones my friend! When can I start lol.
@Tangeryne (412)
• India
20 Apr 10
hey janey..you poor thing..all those experiences are disgusting.. lucky for me, the place where i work has really clean loos with a never-ending supply of running water n freshner and liquid soap and the house keeping staff who work there 24/7 to keep it clean. they even have a checklist for what should be done everyday. we have special sanny bins as well. so the waste is disposed of discretely without creating a mess. yea you can come work in my office but for that you will have to come all the way to india. you game?
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Apr 10
It's a bit far my friend...but I am tempted! 
Toilet facilities used to be so good wherever I worked but the standards have definitely slipped. Perhaps there are no governmental inspections to keep the employers on their toes..or maybe women employees are seen as second class citizens. It does make me wonder!
Toilet facilities used to be so good wherever I worked but the standards have definitely slipped. Perhaps there are no governmental inspections to keep the employers on their toes..or maybe women employees are seen as second class citizens. It does make me wonder!@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Apr 10
You wouldn't know this my friend but London is about 350 miles away from where I live...but thanks for the thought, it's really sweet of you.
@Tangeryne (412)
• India
21 Apr 10
true but there's a branch in london too..in canary wharf..you can try your luck there. maybe they have openings and maybe the loos are clean there as well.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
21 Apr 10
Hi Janey, I have always wondered why your discussions are so interesting... And today I found the reason, you always stick to the reality. None of your discussion is about mythology, or God etc. I really like to read your posts...
Well, about the toilet at my workplace... It is always clean. The company has given us authority to complain, even if the toilet paper isn't there... It is a multi national company and hence, they have to maintain the standards...
I had always thought it was better (with everything) in the west... Wonder, why the toilets aren't being looked after?
Well, about the toilet at my workplace... It is always clean. The company has given us authority to complain, even if the toilet paper isn't there... It is a multi national company and hence, they have to maintain the standards...
I had always thought it was better (with everything) in the west... Wonder, why the toilets aren't being looked after? @Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Apr 10
Thank you so much for your kind words about my discussions, it really means a lot to me. I'm not one of those people that have to analyse everything I type; I, generally use my instincts and it seems to work, which is great! It is such an honour to have one person read my posts so I am grateful to everyone who finds them entertaining or interesting, like you do.
Well, as far as the UK's toilets goes...standards have slipped everywhere, whether it be in the workplace or in public places. Generally, the toilets THEMSELVES are clean but it's the facilities that go with it, like running hot water, is suspect and not always available, which is scandalous really. Perhaps we can't be bothered to complain so standards keep going down, I don't know what is happening. Also, I feel that cost is an issue; cost to include sanny bins, cost to have hot water running...the list goes on, but if a company can spend 4 million pounds on a new printer then surely they could invest a bit more in their ONLY ladies toilet.
I'm not one of those people that have to analyse everything I type; I, generally use my instincts and it seems to work, which is great! It is such an honour to have one person read my posts so I am grateful to everyone who finds them entertaining or interesting, like you do.
Well, as far as the UK's toilets goes...standards have slipped everywhere, whether it be in the workplace or in public places. Generally, the toilets THEMSELVES are clean but it's the facilities that go with it, like running hot water, is suspect and not always available, which is scandalous really. Perhaps we can't be bothered to complain so standards keep going down, I don't know what is happening. Also, I feel that cost is an issue; cost to include sanny bins, cost to have hot water running...the list goes on, but if a company can spend 4 million pounds on a new printer then surely they could invest a bit more in their ONLY ladies toilet. @eltobh (231)
• Indonesia
21 Apr 10
Hi there!
Nice story :)
I am a type of woman who always seek for a clean toilet wherever I go..haha..
The office that I'm working at right now is located at a central business district area, so I guess I'm quite lucky :)
Our toilet is clean and just recently being renovated. It has three sinks, a hand dryer, tissue's compartment and a sanny bin. I guess that will suffice. No hot water for sure, since we don't have it here normally in my country. However, I feel sorry with your story :(..perhaps you can come and work at my office :D
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Apr 10
I must admit, it sounds very tempting. It helps to create a good atmosphere when the basics are catered for, that's how I look at it anyway.
@harmonee (1228)
• United States
21 Apr 10
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. The staff where I work use the same facilities as the public and they are kept very clean and smelling nice. They have the sani bins and paper towels and everything. It's actually pretty high tech. The toilets have the motion sensors as do the faucets. The water that is used in the toilets has been recycled from the sinks and showers. It is something I take for granted, but I will be thinking of you while using the facilities tomorrow! Lol!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Apr 10
I love those automatic toilets, they're great aren't they?! Recycling the water, eh? I like that idea!
As for me; I'm not working at my husband's place at the moment as there are health issues that need dealing with...but I now have tablets for that so will probably work at the back end of next week I would think, all being well.
John has a print-out of legislation regarding the very problem I have mentioned within the workplace so if I do go back in I shall show this to the boss's wife. It can't do any harm can it?
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
21 Apr 10
There are times where I feel like I am really taking a gamble when I use the facilities anywhere in a public place. The workplace is no exception to this rule. I mean, there are times where the facilities are usable enough and passable. Of course, when you see some of the conditions that public facilities can be in, then you will realize how those standards can be skewed.
You just wonder what these people are thinking in some place to let these things fall into some disrepair. Especially when you see some of the luxury items that the company does spend their money on and how the facilities get neglected at best and totally ignored at worst. Complete inexcusable for sure and I have had my share of disgusting facilities. I wonder how they could fall to that level and that is why I rarely go in a public place unless it is an absolute emergency, whether it be workplace or otherwise.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Apr 10
Yes, I do know what you mean. The toilet facilities that I mentioned are poor but my husband told me that they are about to fork out £4million, yes, you read it right 4 MILLION POUNDS for a brand new printer that does everything except make the tea.
It seems they want to make as much money as possible but basic needs are not met. I am not sure if I want to work for a company like that. If the other women complained (and I know it is illegal what the employer is doing, or NOT doing) then something would have to be done. Perhaps they are frightened of getting the sack or..worse still, they don't even know what their Rights are?
I despair of people at times, I really do!
I despair of people at times, I really do!
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
20 Apr 10
fortunately, the toilet facilities at my workplace are still tolerable... we definitely have the basics... tissue paper, hand dryer, sanitary bin, taps and soap to wash our hands and the cleaner always clean the toilet every now and then... sometimes it can be disgusting because of some irresponsible and lazy co-workers... but overall, it is alright... take care and have a nice day...
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Apr 10
I know what you mean about lazy and irresponsible co-workers, that seems to have got worse in the last 10 years or so, unfortunately.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Apr 10
Yes, we have a cat litter tray as well and it's always being emptied...as it should of course. My Moggy has standards to keep, don't you know!
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
20 Apr 10
the facilities at work are regularly cleaned and they are just fine, worst problem I have seen is the soap dispenser dripping and making a mess...
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Apr 10
Oooo I could cope with that lol. John is vowing to mention my problem to the Environmental guy..but we shall see if the company tries wriggling out of its obligations. If it does I walk; simple as that.
@Wizzywig (7847)
•
20 Apr 10
I work in a hospital and there is one staff toilet in the corridor between our ward and the next door ward. This is the 'first port of call' for 15-20 staff plus doctors/physios and any other staff who visit the ward. It has running hot/cold water, soap dispenser and a large foot pedal bin. On a good day, there's an airfreshener spray on the shelf. Further down and round the corner is a second toilet which also has a shower unit. Until recently, the other ward was a designated C-diff ward so that toilet was for their staff use only. I think the main problem is that there always seems to be someone in there when you've waited ages to be able to get off the ward to go!! If we go across to the restaurant on our break, there are about 8 toilets and 4 sinks with running hot/cold and bins(female) - obviously I dont know the gents facilities, plus there's a separate toilet for the disabled.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Apr 10
That's mightily impressive, as one would expect in a hospital I suppose. Can I come and work for you? Please!
I have just read something interesting. It reads as follows:-
By law, sanitary waste is a controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and therefore this act places a legal "Duty of Care" on the employers to ensure that all sanitary waste produced on premises is correctly managed right up to final disposal.
Also Regulation 21 of the Approved Code of Practice, in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, advises that - "in the case of water closets used by women, suitable means should be provided for the disposal of sanitary dressings."
So, there you go. However, my hubby will be recluctant to slag off his employer and I will probably lose my casual post if I whinge. For my own piece of mind (and the fact I'm only on £6 an hour) what do I have to lose if I politely ask them to produce a bin for...not just me but for all the women in there. Why has no-one else said anything? That's what I cannot understand!
@opalina143 (1240)
• Morristown, New Jersey
20 Apr 10
I work from home, so I don't have to worry about that. I have my own toilet, a bathroom that's actually pretty nice. Of course, that means it's my responsibility to keep it clean. But I would hate being in a place that doesn't have a good bathroom. When I went to camp, we had to use latrines. They were harmful. They stunk so bad you could smell them all the way across the camp. The smell could just kill you. And they were always dirty and there were mosquitoes and flies, flies everywhere -- tons of flies. And naturally, I was having my feminine event, so to speak as you put it. So I ended up being in there a lot, and it was very unpleasant. I'm glad I don't work in a camp or spend too much time there
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Apr 10
That must have been so awful for you; I really do sympathise A LOT!
@cbjones (1147)
• United States
20 Apr 10
The last place I worked at had one of the worst bathrooms I've ever seen. The plumbing was so bad, it made sounds like there was a dragon lurking in the pipes whenever you tried to flush. I remember a new employee asking where the bathroom was, and seeing a friend escort them to the door so they would wait for the horror that was soon to follow. We never replaced the blown lights because the graffiti was better left unseen by young eyes(everyone under the age of 300 years old). I saw a janitor go in once to fix the joint up a bit. never saw him walk out though.
I quit when i noticed a big fat rat in the corner, throwing up what appeared to be West Coast gang signs in my general direction. I don't know how he made it all the way to NC. East Coast rats don't play that mess.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Apr 10
Oh my God, that is horrendous. I'm not surprised you quit which is what I'm tempted to do, if I'm being honest. On the one hand I want to tell my employer to sort the sanny bin nonsense out but on the other I'm thinking, "why spoil it for my husband?" who just wants a quiet life.
I'm in a bit of a quandary it seems!
I'm not surprised you quit which is what I'm tempted to do, if I'm being honest. On the one hand I want to tell my employer to sort the sanny bin nonsense out but on the other I'm thinking, "why spoil it for my husband?" who just wants a quiet life.
I'm in a bit of a quandary it seems!